Populist Reform of the Democratic Party

It's more that the Democratic party leadership makes damn sure they don't move up the chain.

You don't think Californians could, and WANT TO, challenge Feinstein? The party is absolutely against it, I heard (but have yet to see or read the background info) that some rule was passed here about not primarying Democatic incumbents.

In this state we actually do have a deep bench of progressives in local and state office who could fill that Senate seat with some real progressive values, and the people of this state deserve such a primary fight. It's the corporate capture of party leadership that prevents it. That may not be the case in every state or every situation, but it's definitely a big part of the problem.

I join you in your desire for more progressives in lower offices, I just don't think that's the main obstacle to getting them in higher offices.

edit to add: I rec'd this because it's a good discussion to have